Kohlberg's Stages Of Moral Development: Worksheet Answers
Table of Contents :
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development is a psychological framework that explores how individuals progress in their moral reasoning from childhood to adulthood. This theory, developed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg in the 1950s, posits that moral development occurs in stages and that these stages are associated with an individual's ability to reason about ethical dilemmas. In this post, we will delve into the details of Kohlberg’s theory, summarize each stage, and present some worksheets with answers to help clarify and illustrate these concepts.
Understanding Kohlberg's Theory
Kohlberg proposed that moral development unfolds in three main levels, each containing two stages. This structured approach allows educators and psychologists to analyze how people think about right and wrong at different ages and cognitive levels. The three levels of moral development are:
- Pre-conventional Level: This level is typically observed in children, where morality is driven by self-interest and the consequences of actions.
- Conventional Level: Here, individuals start to conform to societal norms and rules, demonstrating a sense of duty and loyalty to social systems.
- Post-conventional Level: This advanced level of moral reasoning is characterized by the recognition of universal ethical principles and a focus on justice and individual rights.
The Stages in Detail
Pre-conventional Level
-
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
- Moral reasoning is based on avoiding punishment. Actions are considered wrong if they lead to negative consequences.
-
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
- At this stage, moral reasoning is more about self-interest. Decisions are made based on the benefits gained from the action.
Conventional Level
-
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
- Individuals seek approval from others and act according to societal expectations. Good behavior is based on maintaining relationships and gaining acceptance.
-
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
- Morality is defined by adherence to laws and rules. Individuals feel a duty to uphold societal laws and maintain order.
Post-conventional Level
-
Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
- Individuals recognize that laws are social contracts that can be changed for the betterment of society. They value individual rights and the greater good.
-
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles
- This highest stage involves principled reasoning based on universal ethical principles. Individuals act according to their conscience and abstract reasoning about justice.
Sample Worksheet Questions and Answers
To assist in understanding Kohlberg's stages, let's take a look at a few hypothetical dilemmas and the moral reasoning associated with each stage.
Worksheet Example
| Dilemma | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 | Stage 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A child steals a toy. Why is it wrong? | "Because they will get in trouble." | "They won’t be able to play with it later." | "It’s not nice to take someone else’s things." | "Stealing is against the law." | "Everyone deserves to keep their own property." | "It’s important to respect others’ rights and possessions." |
| A friend asks you to lie for them. What do you do? | "If I say yes, I might get in trouble." | "Lying will help me stay friends with them." | "I need to be honest, it’s not fair to others." | "Lying is wrong and goes against our values." | "I care about my friend, but honesty is important too." | "My integrity matters more than protecting someone’s short-term feelings." |
Important Notes on Application
-
Quotes to Remember: Kohlberg stated, "The development of moral reasoning is a gradual process. Individuals progress through stages at different rates." This implies that understanding a person's moral reasoning requires an awareness of their cognitive and emotional development.
-
Encouraging Moral Development: Educators and parents can support children's moral development by engaging them in discussions about ethical dilemmas, allowing them to articulate their reasoning, and guiding them through different perspectives.
-
Application in Real Life: Understanding these stages can assist educators in tailoring their lessons to foster moral development appropriately and can also aid parents in recognizing the reasoning behind their children's decisions.
Conclusion
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development provides valuable insight into the process of moral reasoning. By understanding the different stages, educators and parents can better support the growth of moral reasoning in children and adolescents. The importance of facilitating open discussions about ethics, morality, and personal beliefs cannot be overstated, as it lays the foundation for ethical decision-making in adulthood. Through thoughtful engagement and reflection, individuals can progress through the stages of moral development, fostering a deeper understanding of justice, rights, and ethical principles.